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ND Sports Court Dedication set for Saturday, December 20, 2008

By Notre Dame

  

 
Notre Dame High School will officially dedicate our gymnasium sports court to legendary ND coaches Rhonda DiCasolo and Mike Rapone ‘71 on Saturday, December 20, 2008.
 
The official dedication ceremony will take place immediately following the ND JV game with Prattsburgh Central. Our JV game is scheduled to tip off at 5 p.m. at our Union Street gym.
 
Coach DiCasolo [Varsity Girls Volleyball] and Coach Rapone [Varsity Boys Basketball] both surpassed the 500 career victory mark last year [2007-2008 season] in their illustrious careers.
 
Coach DiCasolo’s 539 career victories place her at the top of all Section V coaches as well as a 6th place ranking all time in NYSPHSAA competition. Her Fighting Irish Varsity Volleyball teams have won 14 Genesee Region Championships, 6 Section V Championships and 2 Far West Regional Championships in her 30 years of coaching at ND.
 
Coach Rapone’s 511 career victories currently place him 3rd all time in the annals of Section V Boys Basketball. His Fighting Irish Varsity Basketball teams have won 26 Genesee Region Championships, 7 Sectional Championships, 4 Far Western Regional Championships and 2 Class D NYSPHSAA State Championships in the 29 years that he has been at the helm of ND Boys Varsity Basketball.
 
Notre Dame High School and the extended Notre Dame “Family” comprised of faculty, staff, students, parents, Board of Trustees members and alumni are indeed justifiably proud of the accomplishments of both Coach DiCasolo and Coach Rapone - both on and off the court - as both continue to serve as excellent role models for all of our students at Notre Dame.
 
Congratulations Coach DiCasolo and Coach Rapone on your upcoming court dedication!
 

ND Senior in the Spotlight: Sean Zawicki ‘09

By Notre Dame

 

It would have been very easy for our December “Senior in the Spotlight” to “throw in the towel” and point to his athletic injuries as a reason for feeling sorry for himself. Not so for this month’s spotlighted senior.  A talented runner and swimmer, Sean Zawicki, son of Dr. Joseph and Mrs. Ann Zawicki of Elba injured his ACL during his Sophomore year track season causing him to miss his entire Junior year Cross Country season. After following a rigorous off season rehab schedule, Sean was poised to rejoin our champion Boys Cross Country team for his senior season only to be sidelined once again, this time for stress fractures to both legs! As he had done as a Junior, Sean continued to attend all practices and meets even though he could not participate. It was only fitting that he was finally cleared to run in the final two meets of his senior year –Genesee Region Counties and the Section V Class D meet at Marcus Whitman High School. It was also only poetic justice that Sean’s performance at Sectionals helped us secure our 3rd consecutive Class D Boys Championship and an opportunity to represent Section V in this year’s NYSPHSAA meet in Long Island where we finished one point short of 2nd place!

 

A member in good standing of the Notre Dame Chapter of the National Honor Society since his Sophomore year at ND, Sean has been a four year member of our Fighting Irish Cross Country and Swim teams and served as captain of each squad since his Sophomore year! He has also participated in Track and Golf, as well as being an active member of our Mission Club, Mock Trial Team and Science Club during his career at ND.

 

Sean received the highest recognition possible for a Notre Dame student to achieve when he was selected to receive Anima Christi recognition in May of his Sophomore year. Anima Christi [Spirit of Christ] recognition is reserved for students who demonstrate unusual acts of kindness, faith, healing, charity, humility, selflessness or service. Sean has been active in his parish at Our Lady of Fatima in Elba as an Altar Server and Eucharistic Minister and in Youth Ministry [Young Christians at Work] in the Diocese of Buffalo where he has volunteered at St. Martin DePorres refuge house painting hallways, St. Vincent DePaul serving as a soup kitchen waiter and at Bissonette House cleaning a halfway house for ex-convicts in Buffalo.

 

Sean has been a High Honor Roll recipient throughout his high school experience at Notre Dame, as well as having attained New York State Scholar-Athlete recognition [minimum 90% average] during each of the ten Varsity sports seasons in which  he has competed at ND. Additional honors received include the Buffalo Diocesan Spirit Award [2008], the Donna Jean Mooney Memorial Sportsmanship award for Boys Swimming [2008] and induction into the Order of the Arrow Boy Scout Honor Society.

 

Sean is interested in pursuing a dual major in Mechanical Engineering and Physics and is currently considering the University of Rochester, Clarkson University and Alfred University as possible college choices for next year.

 

GCC Announces December Employee and Student of the Month

By Philip Anselmo

From Genesee Community College:

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce that Barbara Shine has been named Employee of the Month for December 2008. Barb has worked at Genesee for over seven years and is currently an assistant professor of business for traditional and online courses. Her endless energy and enthusiasm has made her stand out as a faculty member at Genesee.

Before coming to Genesee, Barb worked in corporate management at Fisher-Price, as an entrepreneur in her own family business located in Arcade, NY, as well as an executive director of a non-profit industry education foundation. Her first position at Genesee was director of Workforce Development at The BEST Center, which she held for three years. She currently teaches various business administration courses, is a College committee volunteer, and is a management skills trainer for The BEST Center.

Barb is a faculty advisor for Genesee's CEO (Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization) Club where her leadership and hard work enabled students to create the "Scholars" brand of new products including its inaugural Apple Cider Syrup, which is now on sale . At $9.99 per bottle, the product is a perfect holiday gift and can be purchased at Genesee's college bookstore, or simply email scholars@genesee.edu.

Additionally, Barb has also been central player in the development of the WIRED Emerging Entrepreneurs (WEE) scholarship program at Genesee. With funding secured through the Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) group, Barb is now helping students and community members explore business opportunities and pursue their entrepreneurial dreams by completing two Genesee business courses tuition-free.

"One of my favorite aspects of working at Genesee is I really enjoy the energy working with students and the continuous support of my co-workers," Barbara said. "I also enjoy the opportunity to work with local businesses as a trainer for The BEST Center."

Barb's extensive educational career actually began at Genesee where she studied Liberal Arts Humanities and earned her degree in 1970. She continued her education at Buffalo State College where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Education in 1972, and then later received her Master's degree in Organizational Management at Robert's Wesleyan College.

A resident of Holland, NY, she enjoys gardening, walking and learning to play the piano. She lives with her husband Dennis, who is also a faculty member at Genesee and they have two daughters and one granddaughter.


Genesee Community College is pleased to name Danielle Collins Student of the Month for December 2008. Danielle, a 2007 graduate of Pavilion High School, is in the Fashion Merchandising Management Program at Genesee. She is very active on campus and has been awarded many honors including President's List, Dean's List and being inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

Danielle is President of Genesee's chapter of DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) and she co-produced the 27th Annual Fashion Show. Through her work with DECA, she led the group in a jewelry sale fundraiser as well as running the Thanksgiving 50/50 raffle. She has helped to orient freshmen students in the Fashion Merchandising program and has made several "best practices" presentations. Danielle has even been asked to make off-campus presentations to students at BOCES because of her high level of professionalism and enthusiasm.

Danielle, 19, a resident of Wyoming, NY is the daughter of Rick and Kim Collins. Danielle plans on attending the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising in Manhattan following her course work at Genesee. Her dream job is to be able to own a retail store that was designed to make customers feel comfortable with their size and make shopping an enjoyable experience, instead of a chore.

Danielle chose to attend Genesee Community College because of the Fashion Merchandising program and the ability to transfer onto a four year school. "My favorite aspect of attending Genesee is the excellent transfer opportunities made available to students," said Danielle. "I also like that they can offer scholarships to students with high academic achievement."

GCC: Dr. Eunice Bellinger Marks First 100 Days at Genesee

By Philip Anselmo

From Genesee Community College:

In a world that seems to get smaller yet spin faster every day, Genesee Community College has already benefited from the global perspectives and experiences of its new executive vice president for Academic Affairs. Dr. Eunice Bellinger began her tenure with Genesee this past August and as she marches past her 100-day anniversary, a moment of reflection for what's ahead and deeper appreciation of her past is warranted.

A native of Buffalo, NY and a 1969 graduate of Kenmore-East High School, Dr. Bellinger has spent over a decade teaching and administering academic programs abroad. From England, to Kuwait, to the United Arab Emirates, she has taught sociology, anthropology, psychology, ceramics, and developed curriculum as well. She returned to Western New York to oversee all of Genesee's academic programs and non-credit and business instruction, develop new programs, and provide general guidance to a dynamic team of over 200 full and part time faculty members.

She began her career teaching internationally in 1992 at Exeter College in Devon, England as a Fulbright Award participant where she taught sociology. From 1993 until 2002, Dr. Bellinger spent her time in Kuwait teaching and developing curriculum for the Public Authority for Education and Training as well as teaching for the University for Maryland's European Division, where she taught U.S. military personnel.

While teaching in Kuwait, Dr. Bellinger led the life of any normal Kuwaiti citizen. She lived in an apartment and her two children attended the American School of Kuwait where they learned to be fluent in Arabic. She participated in the very routine and collective culture, which included enjoying weekends on Thursdays and Fridays, and occasionally patronizing a variety of western-franchised restaurants. During the years she spent with her children abroad, she found that she became accustomed to the Middle Eastern culture and began to enjoy it and appreciate the calming abilities of a routine-filled life.

"Even if we take part in different cultures, and may not share the same language, we understand that we all have hopes and dreams and sorrows," said Dr. Bellinger. "At the end of the day, we realize we are more alike than we are different."

After a decade in Kuwait, Dr. Bellinger moved to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to become the dean and associate professor of Liberal Arts at the American University in Dubai. She went on to Abu Dhabi University to become the director of Graduate Studies in Education and director of the English Language Institute. Throughout her time as an educator overseas, she has worked with a diverse group of students and faculty. She still maintains a keen interest in international programs and the development of curriculum that includes both knowledge and cultural awareness.

More recently, Dr. Bellinger has held positions state-side at SUNY Empire State College and Massachusetts Bay Community College. She came to Genesee Community College with a wealth of knowledge, a vibrant understanding of international academics, and a strong interest in academic development and advancement.

Learning from her experiences abroad, and with the existing economic and political environment, Dr. Bellinger has already begun preparing for the next phase of academic progress at Genesee. Concerned with current challenges and the troubling economic climate, Dr. Bellinger notes that the College must respond to these changes and make a strategy for the future. For example, as four-year colleges begin budget cuts and cutting transfer programs, Genesee must develop degrees that are not just transfer based, but can stand alone as two-year Associate degrees. She also believes that the College should respond to the number of adult learners who have been laid off from their jobs and are looking to Genesee to further their business and academic skills.

"It is important that the College has resources for the over 50 population," said Dr. Bellinger. "There has been a culture shift and the College needs to take action to respond to that change."

Looking to the future, Dr. Bellinger would like to see several new academic programs develop at Genesee. "We are looking into green technology, including wind technology, as well as veterinary technician, transportation technology and computer-created virtual environment programs," she stated.

Dr. Bellinger has found great pleasure in her new position at Genesee, admitting that: "I get to do the fun things that I really am passionate about, like curriculum development, because I'm surrounded by efficient people who help get the day-to-day business completed. I'm really enjoying meeting new people. The people at Genesee have reinforced my view that the College is an easy place to communicate. You don't have to go through numerous layers of bureaucracy to get things accomplished here."

After being at the College for over 100 days, Dr. Bellinger's only complaint is the parking. She laughs, "Seriously, I'm enjoying my time here so far. I wake up every day happy to be going to work. I really have no complaints, except the parking!"

When not in her office, she enjoys spending time with her family, which includes a son, Christopher who is studying at the University of Buffalo, a daughter, Kirsten who is a staff archeologist with United States Army Corps of Engineers in Manhattan, and a granddaughter, Maggie Kate who is two. She has two well-traveled pets. Gizmo, her cat is from Kuwait, and Molly, her dog is from the United Arab Emirates. Together, they are all currently residing in Clarence.


Twenty Questions and Twenty Answers from Dr. Bellinger:

When not in the office I can be found: "In Saratoga on the weekends visiting friends."

Last three books I read: "Lately, it's been mystery novels. My favorite book of all time is, 'Two Years Before the Mast and Twenty-Four Years After,' by Richard Henry Dana."

In the kitchen I am known for: "Directing and managing the preparations."

What kind of music would we find on your iPod? "A bit of everything! Well, maybe no rap."

Meet my family: "One daughter Kirsten, one son Christopher, and my granddaughter, Maggie Kate."

Favorite Movie/Genre: "Comedies"

Drink of choice: "Iced tea"

Favorite Meal/Cuisine: "Mexican"

Favorite team/sport: "Go Bills!"

Drives: "Along the Hudson River"

Favorite vacation spot: "Maine or Alleghany State Park"

Favorite teacher/professor: "Professor Pete Nye, from Alfred State. He taught me what it means to be a good professor. "

Pets: "One cat 'Gizmo', who came from Kuwait, and 'Molly' a dog, from the United Arab Emigrates"

I like to relax by: "Riding a bike or reading books"

Favorite game: "Bananagram. It's like a version of Scrabble but with no point scores for words."

Interesting Talent: "I'm a decent potter. I really enjoy ceramics."

One thing you'd never guess about me: "I have a tattoo of an otter on my arm. In my next life I want to come back as a river otter living in the Colorado Rockies. It's funny because right now I can't even swim!"

If you could teach anywhere in the world, where would that be? "GCC, of course!"

Complete the sentence: In high school I was... "Voted most artistic and most humorous!"

If I wasn't a college administrator, I would be... "Retired in Tuscany?"

News roundup: Brother of 6-year-old who brought gun onto school bus out on bail

By Philip Anselmo

The brother of the 6-year-old boy who brought a loaded handgun onto a school bus yesterday morning is today out on bail, WBTA's Dan Fischer reports. David Truesdale, 19, was released on bail and will later return to court to answer his charges of fourth-degree possession of a weapon and endangering the welfare of a child. Both counts are misdemeanors. Juan Claudio, 40, remains in jail. Claudio faces the same charges, although the possession charge had been upgraded to a felony due to a prior conviction.

Video: Press conference with Batavia police on 6-year-old who brought gun on to school bus

By Philip Anselmo

Earlier this afternoon, Batavia Police Officer John Zola and City Schools Superintendent Margaret Puzio held a press conference at the police station downtown. Zola described the incident this morning on the city school bus, in which a 6-year-old boy brought a loaded handgun onto the bus. He also informed the news media present that the police had made two arrests related to the incident. Please read our earlier post for more details.

Arrests made in school bus incident

By Philip Anselmo

An older brother and the father of the 6-year-old boy who brought a loaded hand gun onto a city school bus this morning are in police custody and will likely be sent to jail, city police said at a news conference this afternoon. The boy, a Batavia elementary school student, has been suspended pending an investigation into the incident.

Juan Claudio, 40, of 108 Jackson St., Batavia, was charged with a felony count of fourth-degree possession of a weapon and endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor. David Truesdale, 19, of 28 S. Main St., Batavia, was charged with fourth-degree possession of a weapon and endangering the welfare of a child, both misdemeanor counts. Truesdale does not have a prior conviction, therefore his charge of possession is a misdemeanor, explained John Zola, public information officer with the city police. Claudio does have a prior conviction and a criminal history, therefore he was charged with a felony count of possession.

Claudio and Truesdale are accused of being "responsible for the weapon being at the home" of the boy, said Zola, although neither of the men live with the child. The 6-year-old, who is not being named, lives with his mother and his 7-year-old brother in the city of Batavia.

Police are still investigating the owner of the handgun, which is legally registered, though not by either Claudio or Truesdale.

The 6-year-old child brought the gun onto the school bus this morning. When the bus pulled up to the high school to drop off some of the older students on board, the child's 7-year-old brother notified the bus driver.

"The bus driver confronted the 6-year-old and he stated that he did have a gun," said Det. Schauf, in a previously released statement. "The boy pulled the gun out of his pocket and gave it to the bus driver."

No one was threatened by the child with the gun, which was never brandished, said Margaret Puzio, city school superintendent.

"We are very grateful to the bus driver, who was a hero in this situation," said Puzio. "The only thing other students would have seen is the student handing over the gun to the bus driver. But they didn't see it. It was in a sack."

The school's reaction was swift.

"We began by calling every parent of a child who was on the bus when the incident happened," she added. "Phone calls were completed before 8:30 in the morning to tell (the parents) exactly what you learned today, minutes after the arrest."

The Batavian will post video footage from the news conference this evening.

Mugshots: Juan Claudio (top right), David Truesdale (lower left)

Six-year-old city school student brought loaded gun onto school bus in Batavia

By Philip Anselmo

Batavia city police were called to the high school this morning shortly before school started for a report of a six-year-old boy who allegedly possessed a gun. The weapon had since been recovered by a bus driver.

Det. Richard Schauf explained in a released statement:

"The bus driver had been approached by another boy on the bus who said that the 6-year-old had a gun. The bus driver confronted the 6-year-old and he stated that he did have a gun. The boy pulled the gun out of his pocket and gave it to the bus driver."

No rounds had yet been loaded into the chamber of the gun, but there were rounds in the clip. The Department of Social Services was contacted. The name of the child has not been released.

This investigation is ongoing. We will have further information if and when it becomes available.

Updated at 12:46pm... City police will hold a news conference this afternoon at 2:00pm at the station on Main Street in Batavia. A person of interest is currently being sought, and an arrest may be forthcoming.

Updated at 1:34pm... The Daily News has since posted their article online—although it really shouldn't be called "breaking" news, since it was reported here first. Joanne Beck spoke with Margaret Puzio, city school superintendent, who told the reporter that the 6-year-old will not be allowed back into school until the "consequences" are "determined."

Notre Dame swimming videos

By Philip Anselmo

We found this pair of videos posted on YouTube. They were taken at a Notre Dame swim meet at Genesee Community College in Batavia last week.

Arrest made in GCC bomb scare

By Philip Anselmo

Genesee County sheriff's deputies have made an arrest following their investigation into the bomb scare yesterday afternoon at Genesee Community College. Kimberly M. Volk, 20, of 27 Dellinger Avenue, Apt: Upper, Batavia, was charged with a felony count of first-degree falsely reporting an incident. Volk is accused of sending a text message to a college student who was on the campus at the time. The message read: "I planted a bomb in the library last night, make sure your out of the building by one." The student who received the text message then notified security, which resulted in the evacuation of the campus and the subsequent search for an explosive, which was never located.

Volk was released under the supervision of the county court. She is scheduled to reappear in Batavia town court on December 16.

Virtual Enterprise Trade Fair

By Philip Anselmo

From Genesee Community College:

Students work in teams to explore and expand their entrepreneurial spirit and business sense, from the inception of a business idea to a comprehensive business and marketing plan. Every person who enters the fair receives $10,000 on a virtual credit card to spend what they think is most enticing opportunitiy among the 30 exhibited virtual businesses. At the end of the day, the new companies will deposit all the virtual income they receive into their virtual bank accounts and the one with the most receipts will be declared the winner.

The Virtual Enterprise Trade Fair is held in conjunction with the College Tech Prep program, which provides technical preparation for employment, college, careers, and continuing education through real world work experience. More than 30 different organizations are partners in the Genesee Region College Tech Prep Consortium, creating dynamic opportunities for students to explore a wide range of careers.

For more information contact Debbie Dunlevy, Program Director for College Tech Prep, at 585-343-0055 x6316.

Attica School Students Show Compassion for Patients

By Philip Anselmo

From the Batavia City School District:

Students at Attica Central School donated 150 holiday ornaments to the patients of United Memorial Medical Center.  Children in Mrs. Goliszek and Mrs. Nowak’s fourth grade classes created candy cane reindeer ornaments for hospital patients as part of a project to demonstrate compassion, the theme for the month of December. The goal of the project is to provide compassion to friends and neighbors who are unable to be home for the holidays.

The ornaments will be placed on patient meal trays at United Memorial where they will certainly brighten the spirits of those who are hospitalized during the holiday season.

Over 600 ornaments were completed by the students and donated to United Memorial, Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo and Wyoming County Community Health in Warsaw. Attica Middle School students annually donate pillowcases to United Memorial’s Pediatric Department which they make using fun juvenile fabrics.

Genesee Center for the Arts Announces Spring 2009 Calendar of Events

By Philip Anselmo

From Genesee Community College:

The Genesee Center for the Arts at Genesee Community College is pleased to announce the calendar of events for its 17th season at the Stuart Steiner Theatre. The Center for the Arts is proud to bring in a variety of artists and productions that raises the standard for years to come. Live performances at the Genesee Center for the Arts begin with:

Arguably the most relevant blues artist of our time (Guitar Player magazine), OTIS TAYLOR brings his unique instrumentation and sound to Genesee Community College in early 2009. A genre defying, critically-acclaimed singer and songwriter, this former antiques dealer is currently on tour promoting his eighth and newest album Recapturing the Banjo. For more information, visit www.otistaylor.com. His performance is scheduled for Saturday, February 7, 2009 at 8:00PM. General admission ticket prices for Otis Taylor are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for students, senior citizens and GCC faculty/students.

Continuing to present innovative programming for the enrichment of the community, the GENESEE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA finishes its 62nd season with two final performances in the Stuart Steiner Theatre. General admission ticket prices for Genesee Symphony Orchestra concerts are $12.00 for adults, $8.00 for senior citizens (62 & over) and $5.00 for students (18 & under and GCC students with a valid ID). Orchestra tickets are also available through GO-ART 585/343-9313 and Roxy's Music Store 585/343-7222.

Concert #3: "Magnificent" is scheduled for Sunday, February 22, 2009 at 4:00PM.
Concert #4: "Exhilarating" is set for Sunday, May 3, 2009 at 4:00PM.

TThe Center for the Arts continues its commitment to introducing the performing arts to children and families by presenting the modern children's fable, THE INCREDIBLE JUNGLE JOURNEY OF FENDA MARIA. Written by Jack Stokes, Fenda Maria is the story of a young girl who, with the help of a village doctor, must travel through the jungle in order to save a prince from an evil witch. With help from the audience, Fenda Maria and her friends ultimately learn what's important ... the meaning of being a good person. Daytime school performances of The Incredible Jungle Journey of Fenda Maria are scheduled for Wednesday, March 25 through Friday, March 27, 2009, with one final performance for the public on Friday, March 27 at 7:30PM. General admission ticket prices are $6.00 for adults, $3.00 for students, senior citizens and GCC faculty, and $2.00 for GCC students with a valid ID. For more information on the daytime school performances of Fenda Maria, contact the Genesee Center for the Arts Box Office at 585/343-0055 x6814.

Weaving a rich tapestry of Celtic and World music, STONE ROW presents a unique style of old classics and captivating originals, by blending traditional and contemporary genres. From traditional Celtic songs and World music to a combination of folk, country and hard rock, goes beyond the normal Irish/Celtic stereotype. For more information, visit www.stonerow.com. The performance is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 8:00PM. General admission ticket prices for Stone Row are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for students, senior citizens and GCC faculty/students.

The hilarious farce NOISES OFF depicts the onstage and backstage antics of a fifth-rate acting troupe touring in the awful sex farce, Nothing On. The play-within-a-play follows the acting company's antics, both on stage and off, from the disastrous final dress rehearsal through months of performances, that include deteriorating relationships, collapsing scenery, exploding props and general hilarity. Performance dates are scheduled for Thursday, April 23, 2009 at 7:30PM, Friday, April 24, 2009 at 7:30PM, Saturday, April 25, 2009 at 7:30PM and Sunday, April 26, 2009 at 2:00PM. General admission ticket prices for Noises Off are only $6.00 for adults, $3.00 for students, senior citizens and GCC faculty, and $2.00 for GCC students with a valid ID.

The talent of both local artists and Genesee students fill the Lobby Art Gallery at the Genesee Center for the Arts this spring. Open during normal college hours, admission to the Lobby Art Gallery is free. The Spring 2009 performances at the Stuart Steiner Theatre include the following Lobby Art Gallery exhibitions:

The 2008-2009 LOBBY ART GALLERY SEASON celebrates the New Year with JOSEPHINE KEARNEY: PHOTOGRAPHS FROM CHINA, an exhibit introducing vibrant and unconventional photographs throughout China. Scheduled to run from January 15, 2009 to February 24, 2009, an opening reception is scheduled for Thursday, January 22, 2009 from 1:00-2:00PM.

The talents of Genesee student artists take center stage with the GCC FINE ARTS STUDENT EXHIBITION, an exhibit featuring sculpture, ceramics, paintings, drawings, and design, highlighting student works (both art and non-art majors) at Genesee Community College. Scheduled to run from February 25, 2009 to March 24, 2009, an opening reception is scheduled for Thursday, February 26, 2009 from 1:00-2:00PM.

The season continues with VIRGINIA MARTIN: PAINTINGS EXHIBIT. Scheduled to run from March 25, 2009 to April 28, 2009, an opening reception is scheduled for Thursday, March 26, 2009 from 1:00-2:00PM.

In tandem with Genesee's Fourth Annual ECO-Fest celebration of Earth Day, a RECYCLED ART COMPETITION AND EXHIBIT will be on display from April 29 to May 1, 2009. A reception for the artists and recyclers will be with ECO-Fest on Thursday, April 30th from 5:00 to 8:00 PM.

The academic year concludes with the GCC DIGITAL ART STUDENT EXHIBITION, an exhibit of works from the best of Genesee's digital art students, including theatrical posters, advertising, marketing concepts and more. Scheduled to run from May 5, 2009 to August 25, 2009, an opening reception is scheduled for Thursday, May 7, 2009 from 1:00-2:00PM.

For more ticket information or reservations, contact the Genesee Center for the Arts Box Office at 585/343-0055 x6814, or by email at boxoffice@genesee.edu. The Genesee Center for the Arts Box Office accepts cash and checks only, credit cards are not accepted. For door-to-door directions, sent via email, visit www.genesee.edu.

Batavia Players presents Child's Christmas Quilt

By Brian Hillabush

The Batavia Players will be presenting the show "Child's Christmas Quilt", on Friday, December 19 and Saturday, December 20 at Genesee Community College. The shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. on those nights.

The 10th Winter Theatre Celebration is directed by Patrick D. Burke and will feature the All City Children's Choir.

Tickets are just $5 and are sold at Go Art! at 201 East Main St. in Batavia and at the door at the Stuart Steiner Theature at GCC.

You can get more information on the show by calling 585-343-9313 ex. 31.

Holiday Shopping Bazaar and Breakfast with Santa Bring Holiday Cheer to Campus

By Philip Anselmo

From Genesee Community College:

It's that time of year again, as the holiday season is now upon us. Genesee Community College is once again sponsoring their annual holiday community events with a Holiday Shopping Bazaar on December 12th as well as the annual Breakfast with Santa on December 14th.

Beat the crowds at the mall and shop Friday, December 12, 2008 at Genesee Community College's annual Holiday Shopping Bazaar. From 9:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., merchants will be set up in the Forum at Genesee's Batavia Campus. A variety of items will be available, including: wool sweaters, hats and gloves, candles, jewelry and watches, sportswear, cosmetics, and homemade crafts. With a wide assortment of gifts, shoppers can find a little something for everyone on their list. This event is free and open to the public.

Bring the family to the annual Breakfast with Santa on Sunday, December 14th in the cafeteria at the Batavia Campus, from 9:30a.m. until 11:00 a.m. The cost is $6 for adults, $4 for kids under 12 and kids under five are free. Children and adults of all ages are welcomed to dine on French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, and pastries. Breakfast will be served from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Santa will be arriving at 10:00 a.m. and pictures with Santa are free. Activities and gifts for children will be provided. Tickets for this event are available in the Student Activities office at Genesee or at the door. Checks can be made to GCCA.

For further information on the holiday events provided by Genesee Community College's Office of Student Activities, please call 585-343-0055 ext. 6261.

Genesee Community College Students Receive $16.7 Million in Financial Aid

By Philip Anselmo

From Genesee Community College:

Genesee Community College students received $16.7 million in student financial assistance last year, according to Joseph Bailey, Associate Dean for Enrollment Services.

Mr. Bailey told trustees at Monday's Board of Trustees meeting that Genesee students received aid to help defray their education from a variety of sources, including federal PELL grants ($5.5 million); New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) grants ($3.6 million); and Stafford loans ($7 million).

Student aid is on the increase, Mr. Bailey reported. Next year, the maximum PELL award will increase. Despite problems with national credit markets, Genesee Community College has access to enough private lenders to make educational loans possible. Genesee has also been declared eligible as a federal direct loan college, meaning that students could borrow directly from the federal government for educational expenses if they needed to do so.

"We have a wide range of financial resources available to help students pursue their college education," Mr. Bailey said.

Students may contact Genesee's Office of Financial Assistance at 585-345-6900 for more information about financial assistance and veterans services programs, and for help in completing financial assistance applications.

Notre Dame Grotto Dedication

By Notre Dame

 

Notre Dame Grotto Dedication

Msgr. Kirby Council #325 members Jerry Grasso, Richard Canale, and Deacon John Stone lead all members present in the recitation of the rosary in a special ceremony honoring the 10th anniversary of the Grotto at ND.  The ceremony was held on a cold October 16thevening at 7 p.m.

ND Fall Sports Recognition

By Notre Dame

 

ND Fall Sports Recognition

Genesee Region All Stars: L to R: Volleyball – Liz Geandreau ’11 and Brittany Morelli ’09; Cross Country – Ashley Calarco ’09 [4th straight year!] and Jill Marshall ’09. Jill also earned a Sectional patch for a 7th place finish in this year’s Section V Class D meet in this her first year of Cross Country competition!

Nicole Mickey ’09 represented ND on the Genesee Region team vs. the Livingston County II team at Cal-Mum on Sunday, 11-9-08 in the Exceptional Senior Soccer game.

2008 GR League All Star selections from ND - L to R: Rick Lair ’09 [Lineman], Matt Thompson ‘10 [Kicker], Kevin Francis ’09 [Receiver] Craig Houseknecht ’09 [Lineman].

2008 Section V Class D Individual Awards earned during the 11-1-08 Class D Final Football game vs. Dundee – L to R: Justin Shenck ’09 [Sportsmanship Award], Rick Lair ’09 [Outstanding Offensive Lineman] and Craig Houseknecht ’09 [Outstanding Defensive Lineman].

ND Senior in the Spotlight

By Notre Dame

ND Senior in the Spotlight

 

Ashley Calarco ‘09

 

Ashley Calarco ’09, daughter of Joseph and Michelle Calarco, is a very well-rounded individual and exceptional student-athlete at ND!

 

Assuming the role of a leader is nothing new for Ashley. The Vice President of the ND Chapter of the National Honor Society and a member in good standing of NHS since her Junior year, Ashley has also served as her Class of 2009 Vice-President for the past two years and Captain of our Varsity Girls Fighting Irish Cross Country team since her Sophomore year. She has worked as a volunteer at All Babies Cherished for the past four years and was recently commissioned as a Eucharistic Minister at ND during our opening day mass on September 5, 2008.

 

Ashley has earned high honor role status each marking period during her ND career, as well as perfect attendance recognition during her 9th and 10th grade years! She has received numerous academic awards during her four years at ND including overall highest average recognition for Mathematics, AP English , Theology and Drawing and Painting, as well as recognition by the American Chemical Society for achievement in the field of Chemistry.

 

An outstanding Cross Country runner, Ashley entered our recently-concluded season as the three time Section V Class D Defending Girls Cross Country Champion, each time qualifying to represent Section V in the NYSPHSAA state meet. She has received Genesee Region League All Star status and earned Track/Cross Country NYS Scholar-Athlete recognition during all four years at ND! Ashley’s bid for a 4th straight Class D championship and trip to the NYSPHSAA meet came to an end a week prior to this year’s meet when she was sidelined with a fractured foot. In true leadership form, she made the trip to Marcus Whitman Central and vocally supported her teammates while on crutches at the recent Sectional meet.

 

Ashley is interested in pursuing a degree in graphic design after her June 2009 graduation from ND and is currently pursuing early admission to Syracuse University as her number one college choice.

 

We are all proud to call Ashley one of our own and wish her the best of luck during the remainder of her senior year and next year at college!

 

 

Batavia High School focus of university study of "higher-performing" schools

By Philip Anselmo

Batavia High School is one of ten schools in the state studied by the University at Albany in a report entitled: What makes high schools work: How higher-performing high schools in New York adapt and thrive. In it, the high school is commended for its "state-of-the-art technology."

Facuty are encouraged to use thattechnology to enhance instruction and to take advantage of other professional development opportunties, as well. Collaborative goal setting and use of data to determine progress lead to further refinements in instruction. Teachers examine state standards to find the "power standards"—those concepts that are most important for success in life after school or are the foundation for the next grade level.

Batavia students "consistently outperform" other students in similar demographics, and the school is noted for its "proactive" approach to identifying "at-risk students" and working out programs that can help them succeed.

Download the complete report: What makes high schools work.

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